I recently came across a few videos, notes, and books from Jim Rohn (Tony Robbins’s mentor), and I found so much timeless wisdom. Take note that the book, 7 Strategies For Wealth and Happiness, was released in 1985.

Let’s start with what I consider one of the best definitions of success: “It’s the steady, measured progress toward a goal and the achievement of a goal. Success is both an accomplishment and a wisdom that comes to those who understand the potential power of life.”

This powerful concept has several components, from the importance of setting goals in life (and keeping track of your progress) but also remembering to enjoy the process and the wisdom you acquire just by completing each step.

Now let’s move to happiness: “It’s the skill of reacting to the offerings of life by perception and by enjoyment,” and this one is even better: “It resides in the houses of those who have the ability to handle disappointment without losing their sense of well-being.” Let’s dive deep into this concept. There are circumstances in our life that we can’t change, but we can adapt and control how we react to them. Remember, our thoughts are behind our emotions and will drive the actions we take and, ultimately, the results in our life. Therefore, happiness is more than a feeling, it’s also a method of thinking that organizes feelings and drives our actions, or in other words, it’s a way of interpreting the world.

Now let’s talk about the relationship between happiness and money. “The key to happiness is not more. Happiness is an art to be studying and practice. More money will only make you more of what you already are. More will only send you more quickly to your destination.” So if you’re inclined to be unhappy, you’ll be luxuriously miserable with more money, on the other hand, if you master the art of lifestyle, more money will amplify your happiness and inner wealth.

Finally, let’s shift to wealth. “It comes from the conversion of effort and enterprise into currency and equity.” It certainly includes working smarter (not only harder) towards your goals while also implying the creation of value that serves others. We also need to use the secret ingredient — discipline — the glue that binds inspiration to achievement but also is the master key that unlocks the door to wealth and happiness.

In conclusion, remember this: The good life is not an amount; it’s an attitude, an act, an idea, a discovery, a search. The good life comes from a fully developed lifestyle, regardless of the size of your bank account. A lifestyle that provides you with a constant sense of joy in living, a lifestyle that fuels your desire to become a person of deep value and achievement. After all, what is wealth without character, industry without art, quantity without quality, enterprise without satisfaction, and possessions without joy?

I will end with a powerful thought: “Be happy with what you have while pursuing what you want.”

Miguel Villagra is a hospitalist.